Legislation News | The Humane Society of the United States

	Legislation News

Press Releases

The Humane Society of the United States Celebrates Oregon Legislative Victories for Animals

July 2, 2009

Bills Will Increase Protections for Dogs, Horses and Other Animals The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Oregon state legislature for passing four significant animal protection bills during the recently concluded session. "Animals have some real champions in the Oregon legislature," said senior sta... full article

Statement by Humane Society of the United States CEO Regarding California Anti-Cruelty Bill

July 1, 2009

Statement by Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, in response to Governor Schwarzenegger's remarks Wednesday: "Everybody knows that California's budget situation is dire and urgent, but that's no excuse for grandstanding by the Governor and picking on the vulnerable. To... full article

New Jersey State Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Consumers from Unlabeled Fur Products

June 25, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States praised the New Jersey State Senate for passing legislation requiring all garments made of animal fur to be labeled as such. Introduced by Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-1, S. 2472 passed with a vote of 37 to 1. In March a similar bill, A. 2653, sponsored by Assemblymember Nilsa Cruz-P... full article

Lawmakers Call for Protection of Chimpanzees in U.S. Laboratories

June 25, 2009

Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., and The Humane Society of the United States hosted a briefing today for Members of Congress and staff on the Great Ape Protection Act (H.R. 1326) and the plight of chimpanzees in laboratories. The legislation, strongly supported by The HSUS, ... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Urges Ohio Lawmakers to Oppose Big Ag Constitutional Power Grab

June 22, 2009

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization with 11 million supporters, including more than 400,000 in Ohio, issued the following statement: Big Agribusiness' attempt to amend Ohio's constitution by creating an industry-dominated ... full article

Tennessee Legislators Vote to Combat Abuse in Puppy Mills

June 18, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States applauds Tennessee legislators for passing legislation that requires basic humane care standards for dogs kept at abusive puppy mills, and requires that these mass dog producing facilities operate as legitimate businesses, subject to licensure and inspection. The Tennesse... full article

Oregon House Passes Bill to Phase Out Keeping Wild Animals as Pets

June 10, 2009

SALEM, Ore. — The Humane Society of the United States, Born Free USA and the Oregon Humane Society applaud the Oregon House of Representatives for passing legislation to prohibit the keeping of certain wild animals as pets. The bill, S.B. 391, passed the House Wednesday by a vote of 43 to 15. It was appro... full article

Pennsylvania Senate Committee Combats Cruel Surgical Procedures at Puppy Mills

June 10, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States applauds members of the Pennsylvania Senate Agricultural Committee for unanimously passing legislation to prohibit some of the most painful and unsafe procedures commonly performed on dogs at large-scale puppy mills. The bill bans tail docking, debarking and surgical birth on ... full article

Conn. Lawmakers Pass Eleventh-Hour Bill to Ban Chimpanzees as Pets and Prevent Internet Hunting

June 4, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States commends Connecticut lawmakers for unanimously passing animal protection and public safety measures late Wednesday night, which was the last day of the state's legislative session. Lawmakers voted to ban the private ownership of some primates as pets and prevent the practice k... full article

National, State Animal Sheltering Leaders Call on California to Spare Abandoned and Lost Pets

June 4, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, State Humane Association of California, and California Animal Control Directors Association Urge California Lawmakers Not to Make Sheltered Dogs and Cats Victims of Budget Crisis; Propose Alternative if Cuts Must be Made SACRAMENTO -- On behalf of its nearly 1.3 milli... full article

Class B Dealer System Unnecessary and Unenforceable, According to National Academies Report

May 29, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States Applauds Findings in Report: Scientific and Humane Issues in the Use of Random Source Dogs and Cats in Research The Humane Society of the United States hails a National Academies report released Friday, which concludes that Class B dealers — whose operating licens... full article

Minnesota Legislature Adjourns With Victories for Animals

May 28, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States Calls for Continued Work on Held-Over Bills in 2010 The Humane Society of the United States thanks Minnesota lawmakers for their work to protect animals in the 2009 legislative session. The Minnesota legislature adjourned at midnight on May 18 after passing several important ... full article

Louisiana Lawmakers Receive 2008 Humane Legislator Awards

May 26, 2009

Each year, The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, recognizes state legislators across the country who have initiated path-breaking animal protection legislation and demonstrably advanced reform in the policy-making arena. The organization is pleased to announce ... full article

Animal Protection Organizations Urge Oregon House of Representatives to Pass Exotic Pet Bill

May 26, 2009

SALEM, Ore. — The Humane Society of the United States, Born Free USA and the Oregon Humane Society applaud the Oregon House Environment and Water Committee for passing S.B. 391 to prohibit dangerous wild animals as pets. S.B. 391, introduced by Sens. Mark Hass, D-14, and Brian Boquist, D-23, would prohibit pr... full article

Nevada Legislature Cracks Down on Dogfighting

May 22, 2009

Update: On May 26, Gov. Jim Gibbons signed A.B. 199 into law, making Nevada the 50th state to ban the possession, keeping or training of dogs for fighting. The Humane Society of the United States Urges Gov. Jim Gibbons to Sign A.B. 199 Into Law CARSON CITY, Nev. — On behalf of its more than 89,000 supp... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Urges Gov. Kulongoski to Make Horse Abandonment a Crime

May 20, 2009

SALEM, Ore. — The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Oregon House of Representatives for passing a bill that adds horses and other equines to the animal abandonment statute. The HSUS now urges Gov. Ted Kulongoski to sign the bill into law. Originally sponsored by Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D... full article

Congress Calls for Truth in Fur Labeling In Response to Ongoing Misrepresentation

May 20, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States urged speedy passage of The Truth in Fur Labeling Act, introduced Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, as H.R. 2480 and S. 1076, to protect consumers by bringing much-needed accuracy and full disclosure to fur labeling laws. The... full article

Oregon Senate Committee Votes to Protect Man’s Best Friend

May 19, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States applauds members of the Oregon Senate Consumer Protection Committeefor passing legislation that strengthens penalties for animal abuse, including a provision that provides basic care standards for dogs at mass dog producing facilities known as puppy mills. The bill goes to the... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Urges Connecticut State Senators to Allow Students to Opt Out of Animal Dissection

May 18, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection group, urges Connecticut state senators to vote "yes" on House Bill 6565. The HSUS applauds members of the Connecticut House of Representatives for voting to approve the bill on April 22. H. B. 6565, introduced by the Education Committe... full article

Massive Cockfighting Pit Raided in Middle Tennessee

May 17, 2009

More Than 250 People Detained HOHENWALD, Tenn. — The large-scale cockfighting raid by federal and state law enforcement agencies of the Shiloh Game Club in Lewis County, Tenn., demonstrates the need for Tennessee's Legislature to pass legislation to strengthen the state's cockfighting laws. The Humane S... full article

Illinois General Assembly Cracks Down on Animal Fighting

May 15, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States Urges Gov. Quinn to Sign H.B. 69 Into Law SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — On behalf of its more than 445,000 supporters in Illinois, The Humane Society of the United States commends the General Assembly for passing H.B. 69, a bill to crack down on animal fighting spectators. The bi... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Applauds U.S. Senate Committee for Advancing Bills to Protect Primates, Endangered Wildlife

May 14, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States applauded the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for approving the Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R. 80/S. 462), a bill to protect public safety and promote animal welfare by prohibiting interstate commerce of primates for the pet trade. Th... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Urges RI Senate Committee to Protect Doves from Target Shooting

May 14, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection group, thanks the Rhode Island Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee for hearing testimony in support of a bill to protect doves from target practice and urges passage of Senate Bill 109. Senate Bill 109, introduced by Sen. Rhoda... full article

Hawaii State Legislature Passes Two Key Animal Protection Bills

May 13, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States, Local Animal Protection Groups Urge Governor to Sign Bills into Law The Humane Society of the United States, Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Hawaii Dog Foundation and CatFriends praised the Hawaii legislature for its unanimous passage recently of two i... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Applauds the U.S. Senate for its Unanimous Vote Against Canada’s Commercial Seal Slaughter

May 8, 2009

In another sign of mounting global opposition over Canada's killing baby seals, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senate Resolution 84 last night, calling for an immediate end to this annual commercial slaughter. The Humane Society of the United States hailed the vote as another powerful signal that Canada can... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Applauds Federal Lawmakers for Seeking to Crack Down on Inhumane Trophy Hunting Practices

May 7, 2009

Bill Would Stop Shooting of Live Animals Over the Internet and at Captive Exotic Ranches The Humane Society of the United States applauded U.S. Reps. Steven Cohen, D-Tenn., Brad Sherman, D-Calif., and Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., for introducing legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday to ban Internet and ... full article

Vermont State Legislature Passes Bill to Prevent Antifreeze Poisoning of Pets

May 5, 2009

Nation's Largest Animal Protection Organization Urges Gov. Douglas to Sign MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont State Legislature has approved H.6, legislation that will save countless animal lives and prevent childhood emergencies. It now awaits Gov. Jim Douglas' signature into law. The bill requires that a... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Praises N.Y. Agencies for Cockfighting Raid

May 4, 2009

New Yorkers Are Reminded of Animal Fighting Reward Program Offering Up to $5,000 The Humane Society of the United States applauds the New York Police Department and Animal Care & Control of New York City for raiding a suspected cockfighting operation in the Bronx. The bust occurred late Thursday night and no arrest... full article

The HSUS Praises Introduction of Pennsylvania Bill to Ban Mechanical Launching of Live Animals for Target Shooting

May 4, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States and humane organizations across Pennsylvania welcome the introduction of anti-cruelty legislation to prohibit the mechanical launching of live animals for target shooting. H.B. 1411, introduced by Reps. Eugene DePasquale, D-95, and John Maher, R-40, and S.B. 843, introduced by... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Praises North Dakota Officials for Increasing Penalties for Poachers

May 4, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States praises the North Dakota legislature for passing H.B. 1188 — a bill to increase penalties for illegally killing wildlife in the state — and applauds Gov. John Hoeven for signing the bill into law last week. H.B. 1188 creates the crime of "exploitation of wildlife"... full article

North Carolina Senate Committee Passes Bill to Protect Man’s Best Friend

April 30, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States applauds the North Carolina Senate Commerce Committee for unanimously passing S.B. 460 to improve protections for dogs and consumers. Specifically, the bill would require that commercial breeders be licensed by the state, and calls upon the Department of Agriculture to establi... full article

Indiana Legislators Applauded for Passing Protections for Man’s Best Friend

April 30, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States applauds members of the Indiana Senate and House for passing new legislation (H.E.A. 1468) that provides upgraded penalties for animal abuse, and basic care standards for dogs at large-scale production facilities known as puppy mills. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Linda Lawso... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Applauds House Natural Resources Committee for Restoring Wild Horse Protections

April 29, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States applauds the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee for passing the Restore our American Mustangs (ROAM) Act by a vote of 21-14 and calls for the quick passage of the bill by the full House of Representatives. The bill, H.R. 1018, introduced by House Natural... full article

Animal Fighting Spectators Are One Step Closer to Facing Felony-level Penalties in the Empire State

April 28, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States Applauds Legislation to Toughen Laws for the Sake of Dogs ALBANY, N.Y. — The Humane Society of the United States, on behalf of its more than 800,000 supporters in New York, commends Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, D-Brooklyn and Sen. Toby Stavisky, D-Flushing, for intro... full article

Bill to Protect Sharks Introduced in Senate

April 23, 2009

Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International Applaud Sen. Kerry for Introducing Shark Conservation Act of 2009 WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States and its global affiliate Humane Society International applaud Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., for introducing the Shark Conser... full article

Indiana Legislators Urged to Strengthen Animal Cruelty and Puppy Mill Legislation

April 23, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States, along with Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan and Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, urge members of the Indiana Senate and House to retain strong provisions in new legislation (H.B. 1468) that provides upgraded penalties for animal abuse, and modest care standards for dogs at mas... full article

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Legislation Protecting Rare Species of Mammals and Birds Around the World

April 21, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing legislation that will provide financial resources for conservation programs to protect rare dog and cat species and imperiled crane populations. The House today passed the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act by a vote of 2... full article

Washington State Lawmakers Vote to Protect Man’s Best Friend

April 20, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States urges Gov. Christine Gregoire to sign a bill that strengthens protections for dogs at mass production facilities known as puppy mills. The legislation (S.B. 5651), led by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-36, passed its final vote in the Senate today by a bipartisan vote of 43-4. "... full article

Maryland Passes Pet Protection Law, Becomes 40th State to Allow Pet Trusts

April 16, 2009

Several Other Important Animal Protection Measures Left Unfinished ANNAPOLIS, Md. — At the close of the 2009 Maryland legislative session, The Humane Society of the United States applauded the Maryland General Assembly for passing H.B. 149, which allows the creation of trusts for the care of animals.&nbs... full article

Oregon House of Representatives Applauded for Protecting Man’s Best Friend

April 14, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Oregon House of Representatives for passing H.B. 2470 by a vote of 46-13. The bill sets a limit of 50 dogs that can be confined at mass producing facilities known as puppy mills, sets basic humane care requirements at those facilities and establishes license and i... full article

Homes for Horses Coalition Conference Held in Las Vegas April 9 and 10

April 13, 2009

Representatives from dozens of national and state-based equine protection, advocacy and rescue organizations gathered April 9 and April 10 at Bally's Las Vegas for the third annual Homes for Horses Coalition Conference to discuss the re-homing of at-risk horses in America and other equine welfare concerns. The con... full article

Washington State House Votes to Protect Man’s Best Friend

April 9, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Washington State House of Representatives for passing new legislation that strengthens protections for dogs at mass production facilities known as puppy mills. The legislation (S.B. 5651), led by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-36, and Reps. Jamie Pedersen, D-43, and T... full article

Humane Society Honors Maryland Members of Congress for Animal Welfare Work in 2008

April 8, 2009

WASHINGTON — On behalf of its 250,000 supporters in Maryland, The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund have presented awards to U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D, and U.S. Reps. Chris Van Hollen, D-8, Roscoe Bartlett, R-6, Elijah Cummings, D-7, and C.A. Ruppersberger, D-... full article

Indiana House, Senate Pass Bills to Crack Down on Animal Cruelty and Puppy Mills

April 8, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Indiana House of Representatives and the Senate for passing an anti-animal cruelty bill (S.B. 238) and a puppy mill bill (H.B. 1468). The bills provide stronger penalties for animal abuse and provide modest care standards for dogs at mass dog producing facili... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Asks Alabama Agriculture Commissioner to Crack Down on Cockfighting

April 3, 2009

Mindy Gilbert, Alabama state director for The Humane Society of the United States issued the following appeal to Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks: "The HSUS calls on Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks to help protect Alabama's $7.5 billion per year poultry industry by cracking down on the underground w... full article

The Humane Society of the United States Urges Gov. Sebelius to Sign Felony Cockfighting Legislation Into Law

April 3, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States praised the Kansas legislature for passing H.B. 2060, a bill that will crack down on the cruel underworld of illegal cockfighting. The effort to make cockfighting a felony in Kansas was championed by Sens. Tim Owens, R-Overland Park, and Julia Lynn, R-Olathe, and Rep. Pat Coll... full article

Animal Advocates Rally at West Virginia Capitol Urging Lawmakers to Protect Animals

April 2, 2009

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Citizens from across the Mountain State will assemble at the state capitol Thursday to meet with their lawmakers and urge them to pass legislation to protect animals. The citizen lobbyists are participating in Humane Lobby Day organized by The Humane Society of the United States and co... full article

Citizen Advocates Converge on Texas Capitol, Urge Lawmakers to Protect Animals

April 2, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas — Citizens from across Texas are assembling at the state capitol Thursday to rally in support of animal protection legislation and to meet with their lawmakers. Humane Lobby Day is being sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States and the Texas Humane Legislation Network. The day s... full article

Floridians Urge Lawmakers to Protect Animals

April 2, 2009

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Citizens from across Florida will assemble today to meet with lawmakers to urge them to protect animals as part of Humane Lobby Day. The event is organized by The Humane Society of the United States to connect citizen lobbyists with lawmakers to support and encourage animal welfare leg... full article

Maryland State Senate Passes Bill to Protect Consumers from Unlabeled Fur Products

April 2, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Maryland State Senate for passing legislation requiring all garments made of animal fur to be labeled as such and urged the House of Delegates to move the bill quickly. S.B. 342, sponsored by Sen. Catherine Pugh, D-40, passed the Senate by ... full article

	Citizens in 20 States Gather for Humane Lobby Day
	Funds Sought to Enforce Key Animal Protection Laws